Hisingerite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About Hisingerite
Wilhelm Hisinger
Formula:
Fe3+2(Si2O5)(OH)4 · 2H2O
Previously given as Fe3+2(Si2O5)(OH)4 · 2H2O.
Colour:
Black, brownish-black, dark brown, dark green
Lustre:
Sub-Vitreous, Resinous, Waxy, Greasy
Hardness:
2½ - 3
Specific Gravity:
2.43 - 2.67
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Name:
Named in 1819 by Jöns Jakob Berzelius in honor of Wilhelm Hisinger [December 23, 1766 Västmanland, Sweden – June 28, 1852 Skinnskatteberg, Västmanland, Sweden]. Hisinger was a Swedish chemist and mineralogist who worked with Jöns Jakob Berzelius researching electrolysis and the consistency of certain elements to be attracted to similarly charged poles. Hisinger was a co-discoverer of the element cerium, with Berzelius.
Type Locality:
Hisingerite-Neotocite Series.
Amorphous to poorly crystalline hydrated iron(III) layer silicate.
Probably has a curved, kaolinite-like structure.
Forms a solid solution with serpentine according to Tutolo et al. (2019).
Compare the visually similar siderogel.
Often partly altered to nontronite.
Note on the type locality: "According to most sources, the type locality for the hydrous iron silicate mineral hisingerite is Riddarhyttan, Västmanland, Sweden, first reported in 1828. However, it was described by A.F. Cronstedt as early as 1751 from Väster Silvberg, Dalarna (under the name “kolspeglande järnmalm”), and in 1810 by W. Hisinger from the Gillinge iron mine, Södermanland (“svart stenart”, later “gillingit”). J. Berzelius introduced the presently valid species name (originally spelt “hisingrit”) in 1819." (Holtstam, 2023).
Amorphous to poorly crystalline hydrated iron(III) layer silicate.
Probably has a curved, kaolinite-like structure.
Forms a solid solution with serpentine according to Tutolo et al. (2019).
Compare the visually similar siderogel.
Often partly altered to nontronite.
Note on the type locality: "According to most sources, the type locality for the hydrous iron silicate mineral hisingerite is Riddarhyttan, Västmanland, Sweden, first reported in 1828. However, it was described by A.F. Cronstedt as early as 1751 from Väster Silvberg, Dalarna (under the name “kolspeglande järnmalm”), and in 1810 by W. Hisinger from the Gillinge iron mine, Södermanland (“svart stenart”, later “gillingit”). J. Berzelius introduced the presently valid species name (originally spelt “hisingrit”) in 1819." (Holtstam, 2023).
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
1910
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:1910:7
IMA Classification of Hisingerite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
Fe3+2Si2O5(OH)4·2H2O
First published:
1819
Classification of Hisingerite
9.ED.10
9 : SILICATES (Germanates)
E : Phyllosilicates
D : Phyllosilicates with kaolinite layers composed of tetrahedral and octahedral nets
9 : SILICATES (Germanates)
E : Phyllosilicates
D : Phyllosilicates with kaolinite layers composed of tetrahedral and octahedral nets
71.1.5.2
71 : PHYLLOSILICATES Sheets of Six-Membered Rings
1 : Sheets of 6-membered rings with 1:1 layers
71 : PHYLLOSILICATES Sheets of Six-Membered Rings
1 : Sheets of 6-membered rings with 1:1 layers
14.19.8
14 : Silicates not Containing Aluminum
19 : Silicates of Fe
14 : Silicates not Containing Aluminum
19 : Silicates of Fe
Mineral Symbols
As of 2021 there are now IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.
Please only use the official IMA–CNMNC symbol. Older variants are listed for historical use only.
Please only use the official IMA–CNMNC symbol. Older variants are listed for historical use only.
| Symbol | Source | Reference for Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Hsg | IMA–CNMNC | Warr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43 |
| Hsg | Warr (2020) | Warr, L.N. (2020) Recommended abbreviations for the names of clay minerals and associated phases. Clay Minerals, 55, 261–264 doi:10.1180/clm.2020.30 |
Physical Properties of Hisingerite
Sub-Vitreous, Resinous, Waxy, Greasy
Transparency:
Transparent, Translucent
Colour:
Black, brownish-black, dark brown, dark green
Streak:
Yellowish brown, green
Hardness:
2½ - 3 on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Brittle
Cleavage:
None Observed
Fracture:
Conchoidal, Sub-Conchoidal
Density:
2.43 - 2.67 g/cm3 (Measured) 3.23 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Hisingerite
Type:
Biaxial (-)
Dispersion:
r < v
Comments:
Frequently isotropic, may have anisotropic areas
Comments:
RI may be 1.5-1.6
Chemistry of Hisingerite
Mindat Formula:
Fe3+2(Si2O5)(OH)4 · 2H2O
Previously given as Fe3+2(Si2O5)(OH)4 · 2H2O.
Previously given as Fe3+2(Si2O5)(OH)4 · 2H2O.
Element Weights:
Elements listed:
Common Impurities:
Al,Mg,Ca
Crystallography of Hisingerite
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Cell Parameters:
a = 5.40 Å, b = 9.03 Å, c = 14.99 Å
β = 98.32°
β = 98.32°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.598 : 1 : 1.66
Unit Cell V:
723.25 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
4
Morphology:
Massive, compact, may be minutely botryoidal or crudely spherical.
Comment:
Amorphous to poorly crystalline
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 16.0 Å | (40) |
| 7.46 Å | (40) |
| 6.27 Å | (20) |
| 5.20 Å | (40) |
| 4.69 Å | (40) |
| 4.41 Å | (20) |
| 4.23 Å | (100) |
| 3.83 Å | (40) |
| 3.67 Å | (40) |
| 3.41 Å | (60) |
| 3.11 Å | (20) |
| 2.936 Å | (20) |
| 2.713 Å | (80) |
| 2.584 Å | (60) |
| 2.456 Å | (100) |
| 2.254 Å | (80) |
| 2.196 Å | (80) |
| 2.097 Å | (20) |
| 1.917 Å | (40) |
| 1.799 Å | (40) |
| 1.720 Å | (100) |
| 1.649 Å | (20) |
| 1.614 Å | (40) |
| 1.568 Å | (80) |
| 1.549 Å | (80) |
| 1.459 Å | (60) |
| 1.428 Å | (20) |
| 1.391 Å | (20) |
| 1.360 Å | (40) |
| 1.316 Å | (40) |
Comments:
ICDD 26-1140. Note 1: May be very poorly crystalline with d = 4.45 (s), 3.53 (s), 2.56 (s), 1.71 (s), 1.54 (s) and may be very similar to data of neotocite. Note 2: The former hisingerite pattern has significant shifts from ICDD 26-1140.
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Near-surface Processes | |
| 22 : Hydration and low-𝑇 subsurface aqueous alteration (see also #23) | |
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] |
Geological Setting:
Secondary mineral formed by weathering or deuteric alteration of iron bearing silicates or sulfides.
Type Occurrence of Hisingerite
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Weathered zone of a cobalt and rare earth element polymetallic deposit.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Synonyms of Hisingerite
Other Language Names for Hisingerite
Varieties of Hisingerite
| Aluminian Hisingerite | An Al-bearing variety of hisingerite. |
| Chrome-Alumina-Hisingerite | A chromian Nontronite |
| Degeroite | A Mg-bearing variety of hisingerite. Originally reported from Degerö silver mine, Kaitalahti, Helsinki, Southern Finland Region, Finland |
Relationship of Hisingerite to other Species
Forms a series with:
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 19 photos of Hisingerite associated with Rhodochrosite | MnCO3 |
| 15 photos of Hisingerite associated with Calcite | CaCO3 |
| 11 photos of Hisingerite associated with Pyrite | FeS2 |
| 9 photos of Hisingerite associated with Siderite | FeCO3 |
| 8 photos of Hisingerite associated with Quartz | SiO2 |
| 7 photos of Hisingerite associated with 'Limonite' | |
| 6 photos of Hisingerite associated with Apophyllite Group | AB4[Si8O20]X · 8H2O |
| 5 photos of Hisingerite associated with Fluorite | CaF2 |
| 5 photos of Hisingerite associated with Ferrovalleriite | 2(Fe,Cu)S · 1.5Fe(OH)2 |
| 5 photos of Hisingerite associated with Magnetite | Fe2+Fe3+2O4 |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 9.ED. | 'Clinochrysotile' | Mg3(Si2O5)(OH)4 |
| 9.ED.05 | Dickite | Al2(Si2O5)(OH)4 |
| 9.ED.05 | Nacrite | Al2(Si2O5)(OH)4 |
| 9.ED.05 | Kaolinite | Al2(Si2O5)(OH)4 |
| 9.ED.05 | Odinite | (Fe,Mg,Al,Fe,Ti,Mn)2.4((Si,Al)2O5)(OH)4 |
| 9.ED.10 | Halloysite | Al2Si2O5(OH)4 · n(H2O) |
| 9.ED.10 | 'Hydrohalloysite' | Al2Si2O5(OH)4 · 2H2O |
| 9.ED.15 | Antigorite | Mg3(Si2O5)(OH)4 |
| 9.ED.15 | Brindleyite | (Ni,Al)3(Si,Al)2O5(OH)4 |
| 9.ED.15 | Fraipontite | (Zn,Al)3((Si,Al)2O5)(OH)4 |
| 9.ED.15 | Népouite | Ni3Si2O5(OH)4 |
| 9.ED.15 | Pecoraite | Ni3(Si2O5)(OH)4 |
| 9.ED.15 | Guidottiite | Mn2Fe3+(Fe3+SiO5)(OH)4 |
| 9.ED.15 | Lizardite | Mg3(Si2O5)(OH)4 |
| 9.ED.15 | Berthierine | (Fe2+,Fe3+,Al)3(Si,Al)2O5(OH)4 |
| 9.ED.15 | Kellyite | Mn2+2Al(AlSiO5)(OH)4 |
| 9.ED.15 | Cronstedtite | Fe2+2Fe3+((Si,Fe3+)2O5)(OH)4 |
| 9.ED.15 | Caryopilite | Mn2+3Si2O5(OH)4 |
| 9.ED.15 | Amesite | Mg2Al(AlSiO5)(OH)4 |
| 9.ED.15 | Greenalite | (Fe2+,Fe3+)2-3Si2O5(OH)4 |
| 9.ED.15 | Manandonite | Li2Al4(Si2AlB)O10(OH)8 |
| 9.ED.20 | Chrysocolla | Cu2-xAlx(H2-xSi2O5)(OH)4 · nH2O, x < 1 |
| 9.ED.20 | Neotocite | (Mn,Fe)SiO3 · H2O (?) |
| 9.ED.20 | Allophane | (Al2O3)(SiO2)1.3-2 · 2.5-3H2O |
| 9.ED.20 | Imogolite | Al2SiO3(OH)4 |
| 9.ED.25 | Bismutoferrite | Fe3+2Bi(SiO4)2(OH) |
| 9.ED.25 | Chapmanite | Fe3+2Sb3+(Si2O5)O3(OH) |
| 9.ED.30 | 'Pianlinite' | Al2Si2O6(OH)2 |
Fluorescence of Hisingerite
Not fluorescent in UV
Other Information
Health Risks:
No information on health risks for this material has been entered into the database. You should always treat mineral specimens with care.
Internet Links for Hisingerite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-1910.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
Search Engines:
External Links:
Mineral Dealers:
References for Hisingerite
Reference List:
Hawkins, A.C., Shannon, Earl V. (1924) Canbyite, a new mineral. American Mineralogist, 9 (1). 1-5 (as canbyite)
Whelan, J. A., Goldich, S. S. (1961) New data for hisingerite and neotocite. American Mineralogist, 46 (11-12) 1412-1423
Lindqvist, Bengt, Jansson, Sven (1962) On the crystal chemistry of hisingerite. American Mineralogist, 47 (11-12) 1356-1362
Kohyama, Norihiko (1975) Hisingerite Occurring as a Weathering Product of Iron-Rich Saponite. Clays and Clay Minerals, 23 (3) 215-218 doi:10.1346/ccmn.1975.0230309
Clark, A. M., Easton, A. J., Mount, M. (1978) A study of the neotocite group. Mineralogical Magazine, 42 (322) 279-280 doi:10.1180/minmag.1978.042.322.19
Eggleton, R. A., Pennington, J. H., Freeman, R. S., Threadgold, I. M. (1983) Structural aspects of the hisingerite-neotocite series. Clay Minerals, 18 (1) 21-31 doi:10.1180/claymin.1983.018.1.03
Shayan, Ahmad (1984) Hisingerite Material from a Basalt Quarry Near Geelong, Victoria, Australia. Clays and Clay Minerals, 32 (4) 272-278 doi:10.1346/ccmn.1984.0320404
Dunn, Pete J., Grice, Joel D. Fleischer, Michael, Pabst, Adolf (1984) New mineral names. American Mineralogist, 69 (1-2) 210-215
Shayan, Ahmad (1988) Hydrothermal Alterations of Hisingerite Material from a Basalt Quarry Near Geelong, Victoria, Australia. Clays and Clay Minerals, 36 (4) 327-336 doi:10.1346/ccmn.1988.0360406
Farmer, V. C. (1992) Possible confusion between so-called ferrihydrites and hisingerites. Clay Minerals, 27 (3) 373-378 doi:10.1180/claymin.1992.027.3.10
Povondra, P. (1996) Minerals of the hisingerite-neotocite series from Chvaletice, Železné hory Mts., eastern Bohemia, Czech Republic. Journal of the Czech Geological Society, 41 (1-2) 7-14
Eggleton, Richard A. (1998) Hisingerite: A Ferric Kaolin Mineral with Curved Morphology. Clays and Clay Minerals, 46 (4) 400-413 doi:10.1346/ccmn.1998.0460404
Localities for Hisingerite
Showing 200 localities.
symbol to view information about a locality.
The Locality List
- This locality has map coordinates listed.
- This locality has estimated coordinates.
ⓘ - Click for references and further information on this occurrence.
? - Indicates mineral may be doubtful at this locality.
- Good crystals or important locality for species.
- World class for species or very significant.
(TL) - Type Locality for a valid mineral species.
(FRL) - First Recorded Locality for everything else (eg varieties).
All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
Australia | |
| Birch BH Book |
| Worner et al. (1982) |
| Ashley (1980) |
| Wang et al. (2024) |
| BOTTRILL +1 other reference |
| Bottrill +1 other reference |
| Ralph Bottrill pers comm |
| Shayan (1984) |
| Shayan (1984) +1 other reference | |
| Agnew Gold Mine. Technical Short Form ... +2 other references |
| Hassan (2014) |
| Simpson et al. (1948) |
Austria | |
| Kolitsch et al. (2022) |
Bolivia | |
| Petrov (n.d.) +1 other reference |
| Alfredo Petrov and Jaroslav Hyrsl ... |
| Dr. Fritz Berndt ore collection |
| Wilson (2001) +1 other reference |
| Wilson (2001) |
| Wilson (2001) +1 other reference |
Canada | |
| the world's largest besshi-type ... +1 other reference |
| Chen +2 other references |
| Avalon Advanced Materials Inc. |
| www.geologyontario.mndm.gov.on.ca (n.d.) |
| G. M. Schwartz (1924) |
| Reiner Mielke 2017 |
| Sabina (1992) |
| Sabina (1983) |
| Horváth et al. (1990) |
| Sabina (1987) +1 other reference |
| Rich et al. (1977) |
| Abercrombie (1991) +1 other reference |
Chile | |
| Teck Resources Limited |
China | |
| Ottens et al. (2012) |
Czech Republic | |
| Josef Vajdak (2008) |
| Sejkora et al. (2022) |
| Sejkora et al. (2024) |
| Fojt |
| Povondra (1995) |
| Dolníček et al. (2024) |
Finland | |
| [var: Degeroite] Holmberg (1857) |
France | |
| Cuchet et al. (2008) |
| Guitard (2010) |
Germany | |
| Habel (2000) +1 other reference |
| Habel et al. (1994) |
| Weiß (1990) |
| Wittern et al. (1986) |
| Weiß (1990) |
| Wittern (2001) |
| Frenzel (1874) |
| Hajek (2010) |
Greece | |
| |
Greenland | |
| Petersen et al. (1993) +1 other reference |
| Bøggild (1953) |
| Pauly (1958) | |
Hungary | |
| Mecsek-Oko |
Italy | |
| Rellini I. et al. (2011) +2 other references |
| Ciriotti et al. (2021) |
| Ciriotti et al. (2021) | |
Japan | |
| - (n.d.) |
| - (n.d.) |
| Imai (1976) |
| - (n.d.) |
| Sudo et al. (1952) |
| Alfredo Petrov field collected specimens (ID by appearance and physical properties) +1 other reference |
| - (n.d.) |
| - (n.d.) |
| Petrov (n.d.) |
| Petrov (n.d.) |
| Petrov (n.d.) |
| - (n.d.) |
| Sudo et al. (1952) |
| - (n.d.) +1 other reference |
| Petrov (n.d.) |
Mexico | |
| Panczner (1987) |
| Panczner (1987) |
Middle East | |
| Vapnik et al. (2006) | |
Norway | |
| Nordrum (2007) |
| Breivik et al. (2010) |
| Neumann (1985) |
| Wilke (1976) | |
| Knut Eldjarn Collection |
| Neumann (1985) |
| Larsen et al. (2005) |
| Berge (n.d.) |
| |
| Dietrich (1961) |
| Dietrich (1961) |
Pacific Ocean | |
| Glasby et al. (2006) |
Poland | |
| Ł. Kruszewski PXRD & pXRF data (paper in preparation) +1 other reference |
Portugal | |
| Josep Sanchez-LaFuente i Mariol field ... |
Romania | |
| Hârtopanu et al. (1996) |
| Udubasa et al. (1996) +2 other references |
| Hârtopanu et al. (1996) +1 other reference |
Russia | |
| webmineral.ru (2016) |
| Afanas'ev +2 other references |
| Pekov et al. (2004) |
| Pekov (2003) |
| Arzamastsev et al. (2008) |
| Viktor Grishin |
| Pekov (1998) | |
| Kompanchenko et al. (2019) |
| Pekov (1998) |
| Pavel Kartashov specimens. | |
| Grant et al. (2001) |
| Dobovol'skaya et al. (1990) +1 other reference | |
| Perevoznikova et al. (2009) |
| Kazachenko et al. (1979) | |
| Kapustin (1965) |
Spain | |
| Rosell-Riba et al. (2022) |
| Alfredo Petrov field observations |
Sweden | |
| |
| Gatedal (n.d.) |
| |
| |
| Bindi et al. (2026) |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| Sandström (2007) |
| Otter (2004) |
| |
| |
| Holtstam et al. (1999) |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| Gatedal (n.d.) |
| |
| Eggleton (1998) |
| Collection of Naturhistoriska Riksmuseet i Stockholm (The Natural History Museum) |
Switzerland | |
| Ansermet (2012) |
UK | |
| Golley et al. (1995) |
| Golley et al. (1995) |
| London Natural History Museum specimen | |
| Golley et al. (1995) |
| Golley et al. (1995) |
| Stanley et al. (1991) |
| Hartley (1984) +1 other reference |
Ukraine | |
| Chukhrov F.V. et al. (1987) |
| Chukhrov F.V. et al. (1987) |
| Tischenko Alexander |
USA | |
| Anthony et al. (1995) |
| Rob Bowell |
| R.O. Meyer collection |
| Peterson (1947) +2 other references |
| Williams et al. (1963) +1 other reference |
| Williams et al. (1963) +1 other reference | |
| Bideaux (1980) +1 other reference |
| Morrison et al. (2016) |
| Anderson et al. (1955) |
| U.S. Borax |
| Morgan et al. (1969) | |
| DeVito (1997) |
| Alfredo Petrov |
| Murdoch (1966) +2 other references |
| Murdoch (1966) +1 other reference |
| Eckel et al. (1997) |
| Eckel et al. (1997) | |
| Rocks & Min.:11:216 +2 other references |
| Ream (1995) |
| King et al. (1994) +1 other reference |
| C. Burtic & R. Dionne collections. +1 other reference |
| Heinrich et al. (2004) |
| Petrov (n.d.) |
| Tutolo et al. (2019) | |
| Bernard et al. (2004) | |
| Castor et al. (2004) |
| Castor et al. (2004) |
| Castor et al. (2004) |
| Williams (1979) |
| Castor et al. (2004) |
| Castor et al. (2004) |
| Rocks & Min 80:245 |
| Rocks & Min. 80:256 (2005) |
| Schreyer et al. (1966) |
| Petrov (n.d.) |
| - (Januzzi, 1966, 1989) +1 other reference |
| Leonard S.Wiener and Sigrid Ballew | |
| Davidson (1927) | |
| Smithsonian Institution Mineral ... | |
| Ross (1935) |
| Ross (1935) |
| Dana 6:1069 +2 other references |
| Bullock (1981) |
| Bullock (1981) |
| Robin D. Tibbit (deceased) |
| Dietrich (1990) |
| Mustoe (1996) |
| Cannon (1975) |
| a preliminary report (No. 75-402) +1 other reference |
| Rocks and Minerals (1987) |
| Falster (1987) | |
Uzbekistan | |
| Ishbobaev et al. (2023) |
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Siglo Veinte Mine, Llallagua, Rafael Bustillo Province, Potosí, Bolivia